A Cruel Master

By Kaeleb LD Appleby

The island of Aberdeen has been at war for the last five years.

Hate and anger is at its limit between the four nations of the archipelago and just as the fires of war burn the the lands it also burns in the hearts of the people. There is no peace to be found in these lands, no friendship or even a whiff of kindness.

Washed ashore after a storm and without his friends, Melodin must face this cursed country alone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kaeleb LD Appleby
• Release date: Nov 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215967447

Kaeleb LD Appleby

May you all enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoyed writing them

Book preview

A Cruel Master

Book 6

Written by

Kaeleb LD Appleby

Cover art by KiDA

Copyright Kaeleb LD Appleby

Smashwords Edition License Notes:

This ebook and cover artwork may not be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared without the express authorisation by the author.

Chapter One

The wind picked up as the Sand Shark pulled out of Harken Port, on the island of Turrafurl. Standing at the railing of the quarter deck and looking across the main deck, Melodin felt the sudden tug as the ship’s magnetic anchor connected to an electromagnetic current beneath the sandy waves of the Sand Sea. Captain Leroux had selected the course himself and from this point the vessel would virtually sail itself until they reached the next island or something else happened on route.

Overhead the gulls cried and floated on the breeze, their white and pale yellow feathers shimmering in the afternoon sunlight.

Harken Port was a popular place to dock at and as the Sand Shark cut through the waves several large merchant ships sailed by them, heading to the island. The massive galleons were over twice the size of the clipper Melodin was sailing on with Magister Leroux and the rest of the crew. Squinting against the light Melodin could see the crew of the closest galleon scrambling through the rigging to furl the sails and make ready to dock. In a ship that size the crew must have been over two dozen strong, far more than the four, including himself, that managed the Sand Shark. Captain Leroux did not do anything to help, and spent most of his time in his cabin, and Arnruil was not much help either.

Melodin looked to the slender elf nearby, watching her walk across the main deck below him. She wore no shoes on her feet and seemed to be humming to herself as she gazed out at the views. Suddenly she stubbed her toe on the hatch at the foot of the main sail and tumbled to the planks, tearing her light dress in the process. But Arnruil did not seem to mind and she quickly got back to her feet and after dusting off her white dress she continued on her way like nothing had happened.

He could not bring himself to imagine what might happen if Arnruil tried to climb the rigging and help with the sails.

It was down to Qui, Rowna, and himself to deal with the ships duties, and fortunately it was not that difficult. In fact Melodin suspected that there was some magic in the Sand Shark that made it easier to sail.

A muffled bark from Dog drew his attention as the white canine scampered up the stairs from the main deck and trotted over to him, a roll of paper in her mouth. She was his oldest friend and had been with him since she was a pup, and that was over ten years ago. But despite her apparent age, her vivid green eyes were still sparkling and her tail still wagging happily as she dropped the rolled parchment at his feet.

The newspaper? Thanks Dog, Melodin said as he bent down and picked up the paper. Rowna has finally finished reading it, has she?

Dog barked before she headed off back the way she had come and Melodin opened the paper to read the latest news from around the Sand Sea.

What’s this? he wondered aloud before even opening the first page. The Iron Helm Pirates have been decimated?

Surprised, Melodin continued reading the news, a frown coming to his face. The Iron Helm Pirates had been quite notorious across the Sand Sea, and at one point the Magisterium that controlled the islands had thought they had captured and killed the crew. But the Iron Helm Pirates had come back with a vengeance and sacked half a dozen Magisterium controlled ports including the famous Devil’s Lobby. A friend of Melodin’s had even sailed with the Iron Helm crew, but to Melodin’s relief there was no word about him.

The news story was mostly propaganda hailing the Magister’s as geniuses who managed to ambush the Iron Helm crew on the small island of Araho. There a battle ensued between ten Magisters and the eight members of the Iron Helm Pirates. After seven days of fighting six Magisters had been killed, and only three of the Iron Helm Pirates remained alive, including the leader of the bunch, Captain Dee. Somehow the remaining members fled and the Magisters tried to give chase, but lost them in a storm, where another Magister lost her life.

There was very little written in the paper about the villages caught in the conflict and the number of innocents killed. But by the reports the entire island had been turned into a wasteland of dead plants and ruined buildings. Although, despite all that the Magisterium was calling the events a victory and the destruction of the Iron Helm Pirates a serious blow to organised piracy in the Sand Sea.

Melodin finished reading and let out a deep breath, running a hand through his messy blonde hair. He was not sure what all this meant, but he was almost certain the pirates who supported the Iron Helm crew and Captain Dee would not let it slide; there would be a response, and he hoped that he would not be caught up in the conflict. However, there was little chance of him avoiding it, he was a Magister’s apprentice after all, and Magister Leroux was quite famous throughout the Sand Sea. No doubt if a full scale war began between the pirates and Magsiterium, Leroux would be called to fight on the front lines.

The mere thought of that happening made him feel uneasy. Not that he was afraid of fighting, that was not it at all. It was just that he was never any good at it. Most people had natural born abilities that gave them special abilities, like super-strength or speed. Rowna had a minor power to heal quickly from cuts and wounds, and Melodin had known people who could throw balls of fire and ice, and those were only the more common ones. There was no telling how many different abilities there were in the world, and of all the possibilities of special powers he had none.

Nor was he any good at magic. Qui was trying to teach him force magic, of which she was very talented, but he struggled to learn the basics. He was also trying to learn how to wield a sword, but he was also poor at that, despite Rowna’s guidance.

Melodin looked to Rowna then as she practised her sword skills in the middle of the main deck. Her long black hair was tied back in a braid that reached halfway down her back, swinging about as she went through specific patterns. Her broken broadsword flashed in the afternoon sun as she went through the movements. Although the weapon looked damaged, it was of course designed that way to suit her Broken Sword Style of fighting.

Wearing a simpl leather singlet that hugged tight to her toned frame, and hardened leather grieves, Rowna moved with speed and agility across the wooden planks, each foot placed with specific purpose, and each swing of her sword moved with trained precision. There were no excessive movements in Rowna’s deadly dance, which was something that she practiced most days to keep honed.

Where Rowna was virtually a living symbol of discipline and determination, Qui was almost the exact opposite. Melodin spotted the Halfling lounging in the shade of the stairs to the forecastle deck, half asleep as she watched Rowna practice. Qui was skilled with force magic, that was certain, though she never practiced and would have been considered extremely lazy if she ever attended the Mage Academy in Solaris.

Melodin had been considered such when he studied there, before becoming Leroux’s apprentice. But that was because most of the required subjects were very theoretical and bored him no end. Sometimes he had wondered what it would have been like to have stayed studying there with the friends he had made, but in the end he was given the option to be an apprentice, or be expelled from the Academy. Of course he chose the apprenticeship, but he still thought the headmaster had been overreacting with his threat of expulsion.

Melodin let out another deep breath and straightened from his leaning on the railing. A whistle came to his lips as he walked from the quarterdeck and down to the main deck where his comrades were.

Read this about the Iron Helm Pirates? Melodin called out as he approached where Rowna and Qui were, holding the rolled paper in on hand.

Of course, Qui replied, rubbing one eye sleepily. Can’t believe the Magisters would go to that extent to get rid of them. Idiots.

Do you know if your friend Reith was with them at the time? Rowna asked him, taking a break from her training.

Nope, Melodin shook his head. I’m sure he and Eclaire are fine though. They know how to get out of tight situations. They were Sky Pirates back in Middenland you know?

You’ve told us, Qui remarked flatly and yawned.

Do you guys think there will be a war? Melodin asked curiously, and Rowna returned to her training.

Who cares? Qui grumbled loudly and as she stood up she stretched her hands high above her head.

With another wide yawn the Halfling scratched her head and pulled some knots from her mousy brown hair that looked like a mop on her head, its messy strands dangling on her shoulders.

Where’d Arnruil disappear to? wondered Qui, looking about the area. She better have not gone and had a bath without me.

An excited gleam came to the halfling’s eyes as she rubbed her hands together, clearly her imagination running wild.

Are you going to join us tonight, Rowna? Qui looked to the swordswoman. A little girl time? I’ll be sure to scrub your back and make it all soapy.

A wide grin spread across Qui’s face, but Rowna scowled at her and shook her head.

I’m never sharing a bath with you Qui, stop asking, Rowna said flatly, making Qui pout.

Why not? Qui moped.

Because I don’t want you groping me, Rowna replied flatly.

I get it, Qui narrowed her eyes, You’d rather bathe with Melodin.

No, Rowna stated.

You don’t need to answer so quickly, Melodin grumbled quietly. It’s not like I’d grope you. Not without permission, of course.

I’ll be fine bathing alone, thank you, Rowna rolled her eyes, before a thought seemed to come to her. I’ve a better idea, why don’t you bathe with Melodin, Qui, so Arnruil and I can have some peace.

I wouldn’t mind, Melodin shrugged, but Qui was frowning.

I don’t think so, said the Halfling. Melodin’s cute and all, but Judge was more my type: manly, muscly, and taller.

Melodin put his hands on his hips and frowned as he glanced down at his stomach. He almost had well-defined abs, but Qui was right, Judge had been a lot more muscular than he was, and taller.

But Judge and Buccus had both left the crew back in Don, and that was nearly a month ago. In fact, now that Melodin though on it more, he was starting to miss those two, and for the first time he suddenly realised that he was the only male, aside from the Captain, on the ship.

I’m plenty manly, Melodin grumbled. Although, I do feel a bit outnumbered.

Why? Rowna asked. It’s fairly even when you think about it; me, Dog and Arnruil for the girls, and you and the Captain for the men.

What about me? Qui exclaimed.

You’re on both sides, Rowna replied simply.

What? Qui started to argue, but cut herself short and frowned thoughtfully. Actually, I suppose that works for me. But then, I should be feeling outnumbered, not Melodin. I don’t though. In fact, its quite the favourable arrangement for me.

Qui grinned wickedly again, and Rowna shook her head with a sigh.

I can see what you mean, Melodin said thoughtfully. But the Captain is never around. So-

Am I not? the stern voice of Captain Leroux right behind Melodin made him freeze and cringe before turning around with a smile on his face.

Well, Melodin stammered, looking to Rowna and Qui for support, but they suddenly looked busy. It’s just, you’re busy is all, so you spend a lot of time in your cabin, obviously, doing important things. And such.

The light of the setting sun gleamed off Leroux’s round glasses, shielding his eyes from sight. His dark blonde hair glowed in the light as did the red coat he wore. A slight smile lingered in the corners of Leroux’s lips, making Melodin wonder if he was amused or delighted in thoughts of what punishment he could force Melodin to perform. Cleaning the figure head of a great white shark was one of the Captain’s favourite punishments to enforce, and, although not that difficult, it was time consuming and awkward, and not something Melodin could say he enjoyed.

I do, Leroux agreed with Melodin, his voice calm and controlled.

Silence fell over the deck and Melodin looked away awkwardly to the billowing sails overhead.

Your ring, Leroux said suddenly, holding out a hand, may I have a closer look at it?

My? Melodin hesitated in confusion before he quickly realised what the Captain meant. The Spirit Ring you mean? Sure.

Melodin grabbed the silver chain from around his neck and pulled it over his head and held it up for Leroux. At the end of the chain was a simple silver ring set with a diamond. Once a powerful Wind spirit had been imprisoned in the gem, but during his fight with the evil man, Renwiss, back on Descarte Island the Spirit had escaped. Renwiss had tried to absorb the incredible power of the wind spirit, but it was too much for his body to handle and it consumed him. Renwiss was killed and the spirit of wind escaped. Since that day the diamond on the ring had a great crack running through it and its crystal depths had turned cloudy.

I forgot I was wearing it, Melodin remarked, a sad look coming to his bright blue eyes.

When the spirit had been within the ring Melodin had formed a type of friendship with the wind and had agreed to find a way to free it, but now that it was gone he was somewhat saddened.

Interesting, Leroux mumbled as he looked through a magnifying glass at the ring.

Something wrong? Melodin asked curiously, but Leroux was too absorbed to answer.

Indeed, residual energy, the Captain continued to mumble to himself, bringing a frown to Melodin’s brow.

Wondering what Leroux was on about Melodin peered closer to the Spirit Ring of Wind, trying to see for himself.

In total there were seven of these types of rings, all with different spirits trapped within them. They were spirits from the Faelands, or the essence of elements, as the Fae called them, and had been entrapped within the rings so that the Fae might control them better. It was said that in the Faelands all things manifested in some physical sense, like wind and fire, even emotions like hate and love, and even death, had some physical presence. All had run free until the Fae found a way to control them, or imprison the dangerous ones in Spirit Rings, or within pockets of alternate reality that were sealed by gateways called Gates of the Abyss.

Thank you, Leroux said abruptly, handing back the ring and pulling Melodin from his thoughts, before quickly turning about and heading back to his cabin.

Melodin continued to frown as he watched the Captain disappear and he slipped the chain back over his head.

What was that about? Qui wondered aloud, having heard and watched the entire thing.

No idea, Melodin replied honestly.

Whatever, Qui threw up her hands, I’m going for a bath.

Rowna had also left the area and headed up to the forecastle deck to continue training, leaving Melodin to look about the empty deck. The sun was riding low now, casting long shadows across the deck from the railing and mast. Dog was lying down at the foot of the main mast reading another book, but aside from that he was alone.

Ever since they had left the island of Don he had started to notice the emptiness of the ship and without Judge, Buccus, and Moggy the Buncle Cat the ship seemed so hollow.

They’ll be back, Melodin said to himself, but his words did not sound that reassuring.

It was more of a hope that they would return than anything else.

Melodin looked to the setting sun, his mind drifting on the breeze and he wondered what Judge, Buccus and Moggy were up to at that moment.

Probably something really exciting, Melodin said softly, his smile widening as he gave a whistle to Dog and motioned for her to follow him into the crew’s quarters.

* * *

Well, Buccus huffed, letting out a cloud of smoke and taking another puff on his stogie, this is really boring.

Yep, Judge replied flatly, the wind blowing through his crimson hair.

Thought you had a goal, Buccus said as he adjusted his bowler hat on his bald head.

I do, Judge shot the dwarf a slight glare. But I had anticipated my lead on the last island would pan out better.

Together they stood at the rail of a merchant ship watching the waves roll by the port side.

Moggy meowed loudly as she floated down to land of Judge’s shoulder, grey smoke trailing out behind her, and she handed Judge a note.

Judge took the message curiously, but his curiosity turned to a slight frown as he read the note the Buncle Cat had scratched down with her claw.

Bored, the note read.

The note crumbled to ash and his grey eyes looked back out across the Sand Sea.

Chapter Two

The next day came soft and slow. As did the day after that, and the one after that. In fact the whole week was fairly easy and uneventful. The sun was warm and high with barely a cloud in the sky. The gulls had left them and it was nothing but open ocean as far as Melodin’s eyes could see. On the distant horizons he sometimes spotted great plumes of clouds, reaching like shining pillars into the blue heavens.

A school of huge fish played around the prow of the ship on one occasion, grabbing Melodin’s attention, for he had rarely seen the fish of the Sand Sea. They looked like normal fish really, different colouring with scales that seemed that they would be rougher. On that same day a huge whale had graced them with its presence, surfacing barely one hundred metres away from the ship and exhaling a great cloud of air and spray. He and the rest of the crew had watched with wide eyes and open mouths for the whale had to have been twice the size of a war galleon with a tail fin to match.

The creature had not stayed long, and taking a deep breath it had vanished beneath the sandy waves and down, deep, to the dark bottom of the ocean.

Other than those few excitements little else happened, a few ships passed by them on the first days out from Harken Port, but now not a sail could be seen.

Rowna spent her days training, of course, and sometimes Melodin would join in between his force magic lessons from Qui and his general lounging about. Qui spent her time similar to him, but Arnruil had begun to grow a garden along the rail of the forecastle deck.

When the Captain, and Arnruil, fixed the Sand Shark back at the island of Don they had also taken the time to add a few things, the raised beds included. Leroux had also upgraded the navigational system down under the bulk along the keel at the back of the ship, by the rudder. Apparently, now the magnetic anchor that connects with the electromagnetic currents in the Sand Sea could latch onto much weaker currents with greater ease. Melodin did not really understand it, even though he had selected magnetic currents before using the device.

Arnruil had told him of the other minor upgrades they had done, but he had not noticed much of a change, aside from the new gardens Arnruil like to tend. The Numadine Elf, spent most of her time up on the forecastle deck now and her plants had already started to grow, and even a few had started to bloom with cheerful colours and scents.

He had jested that the Sand Shark would look strange with trees growing on it. An absurdity of course, but the more he thought about it the more he started to see that it was entirely possible, especially with Arnruil doing the gardening.

Sitting at the top of the stairs to the forecastle he glanced over to Arnruil on the other side as she hummed and gardened. She had mentioned when he first met her on the Twin Islands of Ondrim that she had no talent like Rowna or Judge, but he had come to notice that she had a peculiar way with growing things. Maybe it was magic. Although she said it was not. But the Numadine elves were different from the other elves in the lands, they were much older and had ties with the Fae, and that was peculiar in and of itself.

The more he thought about it the stranger it seemed, but he decided to let it go and save himself the headache that was forming. But it only increased as he looked to Dog, who had just started to read a new book. He had always known that Dog was a bit odd, and far too smart for a canine. When he studied at the Mage Academy he had asked the Headmaster to inspect Dog, but despite all the magical examinations, he had found nothing out of the ordinary.

Leroux had also had a closer look at Dog when Melodin first became his apprentice, but again the Magister found nothing peculiar.

There were forms of magic that allowed the caster to become an animal, which also ran the risk of becoming stuck as an animal. But by all examinations, Dog was not a mage stuck in dog-form.

She was just a normal dog, who was far too smart for her own good.

Melodin watched as Dog skilfully turned the page of the book with her nose and continued reading, oblivious to his gaze. He smiled to himself; Dog was his dearest companion and they had been through a lot together since they met in the war-ravaged streets of Delaforr in Lakelinds, far to the north in the realms of Middenland.

Melodin’s next thoughts were suddenly interrupted as the whole ship jolted and sent him tumbling down the stairs.

It was not a long fall to the main deck, but he knocked his head on one of the steps on the way down which made him see stars.

What happened? Melodin groaned as he slowly got back to his feet and looked to his companions as they also recovered from the sudden jolt. Did we hit a reef?

They seemed as confused as he was and he looked about curiously. The sails were filled with wind and waves continued to roll past, but it seemed that they had lost speed for some reason.

No breach, Qui called out from the base of the main mast as she looked down into the hold. What happened?

That was quite startling, Arnruil remarked as she came down the stairs behind Melodin, rubbing the side of her head.

The elf seemed alright otherwise, though he did notice a bunch of dirt on her clothes and in her hair from the raised garden beds.

Just as abruptly the ship sped up again to its original pace, knocking Melodin from his feet again and backwards onto the stairs. He crashed into Arnruil and together they fell into the steps. Not wanting to crush the lithe elf he managed to turn them both in the fall so that he bared the brunt of the impact.

The tumble was painful and the edges of the planks cracked into his ribs and again he whacked his head, causing him to see the stars once more.

I am so sorry, Arnruil said as his wits returned. Are you alright, Melodin?

Opening his eyes he quickly forgot about the pain of the fall as he noticed Arnruil’s cleavage and breasts right in his face as she straddled him on the stairs.

Fine, Melodin managed to blurt.

I wonder what is happening? wondered Arnruil, still sitting on him casually.

The magnetic anchor disconnected, Leroux explained to them all as he appeared in the middle of the deck. The electromagnetic current unexpectedly dissipated so I have selected a new course.

Not seconds after Leroux had finished his explanation the ship suddenly jolt again, throwing Melodin and Arnruil forwards from the stairs and onto the deck. He had no chance to turn and cushion the impact for the elf this time, and instead found himself being cushioned as his face ended up in Arnruil’s chest.

Sorry about that, Melodin remarked as he got to his feet and helped the elf back to hers.

Are you alright? Arnruil asked him with a smile, completely unconcerned with her own wellbeing.

What’s going on Captain? Qui exclaimed, grabbing Melodin's attention and bringing it back to Leroux.

The Captain stood in the exact same place as before, like the jolt had not thrown him off balance at all, a frown on his face.

Not to worry, Leroux replied. This region of the Sand Sea is known for its temperamental nature. Or perhaps it is the new modifications? I am sure I calibrated them correctly.

Leroux’s voice trailed away as he continue to mumble thoughtfully and walked towards the hatch leading down into the hold.

I shall select a new destination, Leroux spoke up as he reached the open hatch. I suggest you all secure yourselves appropriately this time.

Taking Arnruil by the hand Melodin was quick to move over to the forecastle wall, next to the entrances to the crew’s quarters, and sit down with the elf. Dog and the others also joined him, and not a moment too soon for as soon as Rowna had sat down the ship lurched ahead once more.

But again it lasted mere seconds before the ship’s magnetic anchor disconnected and they slowed once more. There was no time to get up and see what the Captain was doing below deck for seconds later the ship lurched again. This pattern continued for several minutes, resulting in Melodin whacking his head on the boards behind him a few more times. Finally they seemed to have connected with a strong current and Leroux appeared back on deck. But without a word he moved swiftly to his cabin, the tails of his red coat trailing on the wind behind him, and leaving Melodin and the others with confused expressions on their faces.

That was fun, Arnruil remarked, her eyes sparkling as she stood up. But I do hope it will not happen much anymore or it will ruin my garden.

Rowna said nothing, and as Arnruil headed back up the stairs to the forecastle deck she returned to her training.

Why are you so lucky, Melodin? Qui asked seriously, a frown on her face.

What? Melodin asked in confusion as he looked to the Halfling sitting next to him. What do you mean?

Don’t play dumb with me, Qui stuck a finger in the air indignantly. I saw you fall on top of Arnruil, and she on top of you. You got an eye full of cleavage and a face full of boobs. Why don’t things like that happen to me?

Melodin raised an eyebrow, If you want boobs and cleavage why don’t you just look in the mirror?

They both looked down at Qui chest and her small bust that was covered by a simple clothe breast-strap that left her shoulders and midriff bare.

It’s just not the same, Qui sighed, grabbing her small bust in her hands.

Besides, you can’t really make a cleavage, Melodin nodded.

What was that? Qui asked darkly, anger burning in her eyes as she glared at him. You saying my boobs are small?

They are, it’s just a fact, Melodin replied simply, ignoring the halfling’s anger.

Rot in hell, Qui snapped at him and jumped to her feet, her fists clenched.

He knew she was touchy about her small bust size, but he thought she would have gotten over her annoyances by now. Although Qui looked like she wanted to punch him, she did not and abruptly turned about and stormed off across the deck.

Dog growled low as she sat by him, her book once again open for reading, and she seemed to frown at him.

What? Melodin asked to Dog’s expression. It’s true.

Dog seemed to roll her eyes as she turned back to her reading and Melodin let out a deep breath. For the remainder of the day he sat in that spot, gazing off across the seemingly endless ocean. Nothing else happened that day, or for the rest of the week.

But gradually he noticed some changes. The sea itself changed, its waves turning from their usual golden brown to a darker and greyer hue. They were moving into a different region of the Sand Sea where the grey and black sands were more common on the beaches of the sea’s islands.

They passed by one island with black beaches and sharp mountains covered in dense jungle. The wreck of a ship was cast up on the shore in front of the treeline, its dark red sails in tatters and what remained of its crew dead on the sand.

Fortunately that island was not their destination and by that evening they were far away. The next day after the islands slipped by in boredom, but considering Melodin had been sailing the Sand Sea for about a year now, he had become accustom to the long voyages between islands. And during that time he had seen the waves of the ocean take on different colours, as the sand of beaches do, but this was the first time he had seen the waves become a silvery grey and they shimmered like liquid steel in the sunlight.

The marine life, that he managed to spot, also looked different than the rest of the Sand Sea and the colours of their scales and fins were varying hues of grey and silver.

Curiously the sky had also taken on a different tone, its usual pale blue turned darker with the hints of purple and green on the horizons.

Storms seemed more regular in this region as well and always he watched the flicker of lighting in the distance as it snaked through billows of dark clouds.

One evening found him at the railing of the ship watching a large storm, but this one was not in the distance and it seemed to him that it was getting closer. In fact the ship adjusted its course slightly and was starting to make straight for the ominous darkness.

The orange light of the sun burned on the western horizon to his left, making the growing waves burning brightly and the tops of the storm clouds look as if they were on fire. Lightning shot from under the cloud bank and darted into the waves, its greenish hue rippling through the water and dark cloud alike. A deep rumble rolled forth from the huge bank of clouds, like some stalking beast. The thunder reverberated in Melodin’s gut as the wind picked up, rushing off the waves and blowing back his hair. A crease formed at his brow and a chill ran down his spine as he gazed at the wall of dark clouds, its inner most depths shaded with greens and purples that filled his heart with trepidation.

Should be quite the storm, Leroux’s remark made Melodin jump in surprise. They are usually quite fierce in this region of the Sand Sea.

Really? Melodin wondered as he gathered his composure and looked back to the coming storm.

Rain was starting to fall now, blown by the wind, gentle at the moment but he knew it would soon turn into a downpour.

Can’t we avoid the storm? Melodin looked back to the Captain, who was also looking towards the clouds, the light of the setting sun reflecting off his glasses.

We could, Leroux replied slowly. We would have to disengage the magnetic anchor and use the wind to skirt the edges. But I think it is a little bit late for that, do you not agree?

Melodin looked back to the hurricane as it loomed over the top of them, its underside as black as a moonless night. The only light to be seen was the bolts of lightning that seemed to dance endlessly across the waves.

He did not reply, nor did he need to, the answer the Captain’s question was obvious. It was indeed far to late to try and avoid the storm.

All hands shall be needed on deck this night, Leroux continued seriously. The Sand Shark will stay true to its course, but I would hate to see it go under the waves. Make sure your tether is properly secured, Melodin.

Melodin looked to the Captain, who stood a few inches taller than he did, an uneasy feeling building within him as he looked to Leroux’s dark eyes. There seemed to be some amusement in the depths of his orbs and in the corners of his lips.

Prepare yourself, Leroux said, this time smiling and his eyes sparkling with excitement. I shall inform the others to do the same.

With that Leroux turned away and walked briskly across the deck, leaving Melodin to turn his concern gaze back towards the tempest. It was right on top of them now and the rain was starting to be driven with more determination. The last rays of the sun darted through the underside of the clouds, lighting up the waves for an instant.

What is that? Melodin mumbled to himself as something was lit up by the sun in the distant waves.

Squinting his eyes he tried to make it out as it stood like a burning brand in the darkness. Almost liked a giant flame of crystal reaching up from the sandy waves, burning with the rays of the sun, yet frozen in place. It was only alight for an instant and then all was black as the sun vanished.

Night came on almost instantly and the rain started to pelt down with unyielding vigour. Melodin was quick to usher Dog into the crew’s quarters and lock the door, afraid that with no tether she would be washed easily overboard. Dog protested loudly and refused to be sealed away safely.

Come on Dog, Melodin cried over the pouring rain and whirling winds. You can’t be out here.

She clearly disagreed and struggled as he picked her up in his arms. Finally he managed to push her into the cabins and close the door. Pangs of guilt flooded through him as he heard her barking and whining as she scratched at the door to get back out. But he told himself it was for the best.

Quickly he rushed back across the deck and secured a lifeline around his waist, and a not a moment too soon, for the waves had started to grow larger and more violent. The